Wings Over Zambia

Begin your exciting safari experience after a light aircraft brings you to South Luangwa. Your accommodation, Chichele Presidential Lodge, rests on a hilltop overlooking the distant Luangwa River. This stately lodge was the former retreat of Kenneth Kaunda, the first President of Zambia. Ten Victorian-styled suites provide guests with a charm and comfort unique in the Luangwa Valley. Explore this area of prolific wildlife on foot or by safari vehicle. The South Luangwa National Park is a place of primeval forest and lush savanna, stretching for hundreds of miles and encompassing the Luangwa River basin, its adjacent highlands and a mosaic of different habitats extending outwards from the river which forms the eastern boundary. Spend the rest of your day participating in the wildlife viewing activities available. Sanctuary Chichele Presidential Lodge L D

You have two days to spot elephant, lion, leopard, wild dog and buffalo that thrive in the area. Glimpse a variety of antelope and endemic species such as Thornicroft giraffe on walking safaris accompanied by a professional guide and an armed national park scout. Night drives using spotlights allow guests to view nocturnal animals such as leopard, bush babies and spotted hyena. Sanctuary Chichele Presidential Lodge B L D

Fly to the Lower Zambezi National Park and Zambezi Kulefu Camp. Your secluded, intimate, eco-friendly safari camp is settled comfortably in the deep shade of tall riverine trees and overlooks one of the permanent channels of the legendary Zambezi River. Enjoy the beautiful riverbank setting at Kulefu, "the faraway place," which offers excellent game-viewing opportunities where the wildlife is concentrated in the land corridor between the steep escarpment and river. The camp offers seven spacious tented rooms, each with a tranquil view of the Zambezi River. The informal bar, lounge and dining area are housed in a magnificent central marquee, giving an open-air feel and harmonizing with the surrounding environment. Sanctuary Zambezi Kulefu Camp B L D

Lower Zambezi National Park is home to numerous species including elephant, lion, buffalo, waterbuck, leopard, hyena, zebra and more than 350 bird species. The park lies opposite the famous Mana Pools Reserve in Zimbabwe, making the area on both sides of the river a massive wildlife sanctuary. Enormous herds of elephant, some up to 100 strong, are often seen at the river's edge, and "island hopping" buffalo and waterbuck are common. Enjoy game drives in open safari vehicles, or discover Kulefu's abundant and diverse wildlife by motorized boat, canoe, on foot, or even from the verandah of your own comfortable and spacious tent. Sanctuary Zambezi Kulefu Camp B L D

Take your last glimpse of the Lower Zambezi's animal life as you wing your way to Livingstone, named after the famous explorer Dr. David Livingstone. Sussi & Chuma, your next stop, is named after Livingstone's faithful friends and is located in the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, fitting perfectly into its riverbank setting. The park provides a home for numerous antelope species, zebra, giraffe, warthog, and a variety of birds. Elephants cross the Zambezi and freely walk through the park and the surrounding area. The animals can be seen at close range, are very relaxed and provide some excellent photo opportunities. Accommodations consist of 12 luxury tree houses built into the living canopy of giant ebony trees lining the bank; each unit has a private view of the Zambezi from its own deck among the branches. Enjoy the main lodge's raised bar/lounge deck, open air dining area and swimming pool. Cruise the Zambezi at sunset, accompanied by sundowners and light snacks. Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma B L D

This morning, embark on a guided walking tour of the famous Victoria Falls, following in the footsteps of David Livingstone, the first European to see the Falls. Gaze at the permanent rainbows that crisscross the gorge during sunlight, producing images that seem to have leapt off an artist's canvas. The falls envelop the viewer with their physical presence and never fail to impress even the most experienced traveller. Spend the remainder of the day enjoying the amenities of your lodge. Tonight, bid farewell to your fellow travellers at a special farewell dinner. Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma B L D

After breakfast, board a flight to Johannesburg. Relax in your dayroom at the Intercontinental Airport Sun until your homebound flight departs later today. InterContinental Airport Sun (dayroom) B

Arrive in the USA or Canada.